eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
On Jan. 29 Apple announced a new iPad with 128GB of storage. The device, which will be available on Feb. 5, is a fourth-generation iPad and comes with the same features found in the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models, including the A6X processor, the 9.7-inch Retina display and 4G LTE support.
Those who don’t want to pay the extra $130 for 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) can get a WiFi-only model, which Apple has priced at $799, while the 4G LTE option goes for $929.
Now that Apple has announced the tablet, speculation abounds over whether the device will actually be successful. There seems to be some need in the mobile space for a tablet capable of storing huge amounts of data, but some wonder if 128GB is overkill. For Apple, however, the 128GB iPad presents an opportunity. The device has the most storage of any tablet on the market, and might just deliver the most value. The 128GB iPad, in other words, might just be a must-have for most tablet customers.
Take a look at the reasons why.
1. More storage, of course
The mobile world is changing at a rapid rate. And while the 32GB and 64GB options might have delivered ample storage for some, the average person today needs 128GB of space. With that, they can store lots of videos, photos and other content on the tablet and have more data on the device when they need it. The extra storage is a great addition.
2. The Retina display
Apple’s Retina display has made its way to the high-end iPad. The Retina display delivers exceedingly high-quality visuals, which will allow users to enjoy movies and photographs all the more. Having the Retina display is a huge selling point.
3. The price is right
Although Apple’s new iPad might set customers back at least $799, they’re getting an awfully good value for the price. The device is basically a notebook replacement, and that price puts it in line with competing notebooks. With 4G LTE offered at $929, it’s not a bad price for customers looking to access the Web wherever they go.
4. Enterprise value
As Apple itself noted in a press release announcing its new slate, more than 85 percent of the Global 500 are currently deploying or testing the iPad. That figure could quickly jump to near 100 percent when companies get their hands on the 128GB version. Data-intensive applications might work effectively on tablets if they have enough storage capacity along with proper security measures. Having more storage is important to those firms. And Apple knows it.
iPad 128GB Tablet to Go on Sale Feb. 5: 10 Reasons to Buy It
5. 4G LTE is a must-have
The impact 4G LTE has on a mobile employee or consumer is profound. The connection is high-speed, available in more cities than ever and allows for productivity on-the-go. Those are all the reasons Apple brought 4G LTE to its iPad line, including this latest launch.
6. Apple’s iOS is still tops in tablets
It’s important to keep in mind the value of software in Apple’s new iPad. Apple just recently launched iOS 6.1, which delivered more support for LTE and some bug fixes. With that launch, iOS 6 is a better operating system, which is all the more reason to pick up Apple’s latest tablet.
7. Performance is top-notch
Apple was quick to point out in its press release announcing the new iPad that the device comes with its A6X processor. That chip, which is also bundled in the company’s other fourth-generation processors, is arguably its best yet. Whether it’s gaming, video editing or document processing, the iPad’s performance is top-notch. This makes it an ideal purchase.
8. The App Store matters
Apple offers more than 800,000 applications in its App Store, including 300,000 programs designed specifically for its iPad. That’s an important aspect in deciding on a tablet. Apple’s new iPad supports more applications than any other slate on the market. Although they’re not all created equal, quantity does tend to matter in the world of apps.
9. Future-proofing is a good idea
One of the best things about buying Apple’s new iPad is that it future-proofs customers for at least the next couple of years. Apple might be planning to release a new iPad later this year, but given the rate of improvements to internal components, it won’t be a major step up over the 128GB model just announced. Don’t worry about buying the new iPad. It won’t be obsolete anytime soon.
10. iPad remains the most widely used tablet in North America
It’s hard to find a better tablet on the market right now than Apple’s 128GB option. The slate has more storage than any other device, its software is top-notch, its performance is strong and it has Apple behind it. The iPad accounts for about 87 percent of the tablet Web traffic in North America according to the most recent study by the Chitika online advertising network. Although Android-based tablets are quickly gaining ground on the iPad, this latest launch might just be Apple’s best tablet model yet.